Packing up your life and moving across the street (or across the country) is exciting. And if you’re moving on a budget, we’ve got tips to save money while making a smooth transition to your new home.
1. Create a Budget in Advance
Look at current expenses, income and resources and figure out how much you can afford when planning your move. From there, create a checklist of items you need, so you don’t overlook necessary expenses.
You can also do a little digging and find out if you qualify for any relocation or moving tax breaks from your employer or the government.
2. Sell or Donate Stuff You Don’t Want
Think about what’s essential to have in your new space. Then sell anything you no longer love or need — Facebook Marketplace is a great place to make some extra cash. By donating or selling items, you avoid paying the transport fees for them.
Can’t decide if you should keep something or not? A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself how long ago you’ve used certain items in your home.
For example, if you haven’t used an appliance in years or worn those cardigans you like to collect — it’s probably best to part ways.
3. Find Free Boxes
Once you start packing, you’ll probably notice you need more boxes than originally planned. While packing boxes only cost a few dollars — the price can add up quickly.
To save on essentials, ask friends and family or utilize social media to ask your connections for boxes.
You might also find free cardboard boxes at your workplace or grocery stores you regularly shop at. Grabbing free boxes can end up saving you quite a bit of money.
4. Reuse Packing Materials
Love online shopping? There are more than a few benefits besides getting your items delivered to your doorstep. You can reuse the boxes, bubble wrap and packing peanuts that come with your online purchases.
In the months leading up to your move — remind household members to save protective materials and boxes they receive by mail. This helps make packing more manageable and affordable.
5. Call Professional Movers
Moving on your own can be a challenge. You might end up damaging furniture and items because you’re not a professional mover, plus replacing those items can be costly.
Also good to note is that driving a large rental truck can come with blind spots and carrying large boxes in and out of the vehicle puts you at risk for injury.
Calling professional movers like Orange Truck is a great way to make your move less stressful and more efficient. We offer flexible options that you can tailor to your budget (e.g. partial vs. full packing).
You can grab a free instant quote right on our website and one of our team members will follow-up with you within 10 minutes during our regular business hours.
Questions? Get answers to our frequently asked questions and let’s get moving!
